Truss commits to highway vision

A 2020 deadline for completing the four-laning of the Cooroy to Curra section of the Bruce Highway was recommitted yesterday by the Liberal Nationals Government.

Shadow Federal Transport Minister and Wide Bay MP Warren Truss announced “The upgrading of the remaining 50 kilometres of highway between Cooroy and Curra by 2020 is one of my highest priorities”.

“Once completed, the upgrade will fix one of the most dangerous sections of the national highway and one of the deadliest highways in Queensland,” Mr Truss said.

“It will help traffic to flow smoothly and safely, and increase the efficiency of the route for all motorists.”

Mr Truss said work will start on the next section, the gap between Cooroy and the Traveston Crossing dam deviation, in the next parliamentary term.

“I was dismayed and disappointed when the Rudd-Gillard Labor Government scrapped our timetable to finish the job by 2020 and stripped away our funding commitment.

He said Labor’s Transport Minister Anthony Albanese has consistently refused to set a new timetable for when the section will be finished.

“The reality is that the billions of dollars that Labor has wasted on its overpriced school halls and bungled insulation programs could have completed the highway.

“Too many tragic accidents have occurred along this section resulting in death, injury and property damage,” Mr Truss said.

“The only answer so far has been longer travelling times and increased frustration and fatigue through reduced speed limits, and its planned lane narrowing and reduction in overtaking opportunities.

“These are not long term sustainable solutions. Labor’s decision to ignore the community’s preferred route between Sankeys and Traveston Roads has had serous impacts on local residents and the environment.”